NHAI Threatens to Cancel Highway Projects in Punjab Due to Deteriorating Law and Order
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a stern warning to the Punjab government, threatening to cancel eight major highway projects worth approximately Rs 14,288 crore if the prevailing law and order situation does not improve. This alarming development was communicated by Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday.
The decision stems from a series of violent incidents and intimidation tactics targeting engineers, contractors, and project staff involved in the construction of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. These incidents include attacks on engineers and contractors in Jalandhar, as well as threats made by miscreants in Ludhiana.
Gadkari emphasized the critical nature of these projects, highlighting that they are greenfield corridors and canceling even one package could render the entire stretch ineffective. He expressed serious concerns about the safety of NHAI officials, contractors, and their teams, providing photographic evidence of recent assaults to underscore the urgency of the situation.
Despite assurances from stakeholders during a review meeting on July 15, Gadkari expressed disappointment that no progress has been made and the situation has further worsened. He revealed that unresolved land acquisition matters and deteriorating law and order have prompted several concessionaires to seek termination of their contracts and raise claims against NHAI.
This threat comes after NHAI already terminated three projects worth Rs 3,263 crore due to land availability challenges. The projects in question were among 29 highway projects worth Rs 4,000 crores whose foundation stones were laid by Gadkari in Punjab earlier this year.
The NHAI's ultimatum underscores the critical importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for infrastructure development projects. The Punjab government must take immediate and decisive action to address the law and order concerns and protect the lives and property of those involved in these vital projects. Failure to do so could result in the cancellation of these crucial infrastructure projects, impacting connectivity and economic development in the state.